Jacob wasn't expecting Hallberg's call at this time when there were still about two weeks left before their arrangement.
Furthermore, it wasn't a projection call but a voice call that seemed quite off, knowing Hallberg's character.
Jacob then accepted the call, and Hallberg's jolly voice rang, "I hope I didn't disrupt your sleep or anything?"
Jacob's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he replied, "No worries. Is there something you need to tell me?"
Hallberg didn't waste time as he revealed, "The thing is, there's been a change in my plan of leaving the Rare Plains. As you already know that the Dark Beings are marching toward the Dark City, and somehow the higher-ups in the Epic Plains got wind of it.
"So, they contacted me and told me to secure the Dark City at any cost and defend it. They also made it pretty clear if I leave my post in a state of crisis, I won't be welcome in the Epic Plains.
"That's why there is no point in going there if I'm not welcome. So, I guess I owe you an apology for backing down at the last minute." In the end, Hallberg's voice sounded extremely bitter and helpless.
Jacob's eyes were as cold as ice after hearing about the cancelation of that epic plains trip from Hallberg.
In truth, he was still contemplating about backing down on this deal by making some excuse since it might take more time to upgrade his magic core to extraordinary rank, but Hallberg had done it himself. This was a surprise but not a particularly bad one either.
So, he replied, "No problem, I can understand your plight as well. You have already done me a great favor by giving me all those materials and selling those watches. So, if you need me, I'll consider it if it's not an absurd one."
Although Jacob welcomed this development, it didn't mean he would forget about what Hallberg did for him. So, if he asked for Jacob to help me with the Dark Beings, he would agree to kill the Lich King or get rid of the entire Extraordinary rank line of the dark beings since it was now possible.
Jacob offered this help after considering the current situation in the first place, and Hallberg won't ask anything else from him since Jacob has nothing else but his strength to offer.
Sometimes, having someone with Hallberg's status owing you a big favor is a good thing, and this guy seemed to have deep pockets and contacts in the Epic Plains as well.
However, what Hallberg said next made Jacob astonished.
"Are you kidding me? That was hardly an inconvenience. Don't look down on this Earl, or I'll be offended. On the contrary, I was wondering if you're still interested in going out to the Rare Plains.
"You see, all those preparations I made would go to waste now that I'm not leaving, and it might take a decade for me to plan this journey again. I'm pretty sure a man of your stature will not stay in a small place like Rare Plains for much longer.
"So, if you want to leave, you can go to the same meeting spot, and everything will be ready. But you only have time until the Dark Beings reaches the Dark City. So, are you down?" Hallberg asked nonchalantly.
Jacob's eyes narrowed as this offer was simply too good to be true, "Are you serious? Don't you want anything in return? Like killing the Dark Beings or defending the Dark City?"
"Nah, that would be asking too much from you. That army is simply too massive, and I'm not someone who would shamelessly ask a friend to put his life on the line for me. Just consider it you owe me a big one, and when I come to Epic Plains, you'll have to receive me. So, how about it?" Hallberg jollily questioned.
'Is he really that much of a saint?' Jacob thought because he was simply in disbelief over Hallberg's generosity which was irking him in the wrong way for some reason.
However, when he thinks about how Hallberg has treated him to this day, and he has no reason to scheme against him or harm him, Jacob thinks he is being overly paranoid, just as Immortika always taunts him about.
In the end, this offer was simply quite hard to reject because Hallberg's preparation would be flawless, and letting it go seemed to be a huge waste. So, he ended up agreeing.
"Alright, I'll take you on your offer."
"Excellent choice! Just text me a day before you come, and I'll arrange everything for you."
After sealing the deal, the call ended, but Jacob was still mulling over this strange turn of events.
'I wonder how he'll react when he finds the main forces of the Dark Beings have been annihilated mysteriously, and he stays here for nothing but to clear those small fires. But this offer is still too good to be true. I'll have to see first myself…'
---
In the Northern Star Ocean of the Rare Plains, a small ship that seemed almost invisible on the water was moving at high speed, and for some strange reason, there were no ripples over the ocean surface at all despite the ship's high speed.
On this ship deck, Hallberg stood as he gazed at the starry sky with an impassive look in his eyes before he said, "Call the Rich Winter Lady."
The Star Watch on his wrist shimmered before the cold voice of Lucy rang, "So how was it?"
"He took the bait. The ship will sail on the default route no matter what kind of new setting were reinstalled while showing a fake route of whatever the other person wanted to see." Hallberg coldly stated.
"I guess I owe you big time, Sir. Dark Earl." Lucy's impassive voice sounded.
Hallberg coldly sneered, "I don't know what he did to make you pay such a high price to set up this massive death trap. But it sure hell not the killing he did that time.
"I supposed it doesn't matter. Since I helped you as much as I can, now, whether he took that ship or not, you will pay me what you promised. Or I'll make your life a living hell if you try to play any tricks with me. You should be well aware of my background!" His tone was deadly cold as he threatened Lucy without caring about her status.
"Of course, a deal is a deal. I won't dare to trick you, Sir Dark Earl. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a bug to crush!" Lucy coldly uttered before she cut the call.
Hallberg looked at the sky before a sigh escaped his mouth, "No matter how much power one has, in the end, all it comes down to benefits…"